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Optical dating has revolutionized our understanding of Global climate change, Earth surface processes, and human evolution and dispersal over the last ~500 ka. Optical dating is based on an anti-Stokes photon emission generated by electron-hole recombination within quartz or feldspar; it relies, by default, on destructive read-out of the stored chronometric information. We present here a fundamentally new method of optical read-out of the trapped electron population in feldspar. The new signal termed as Infra-Red Photo-Luminescence (IRPL) is a Stokes emission (~1.30 eV) derived from NIR excitation (~1.40 eV) on samples previously exposed to ionizing radiation. Low temperature (7–295 K) spectroscopic and time-resolved investigations suggest that IRPL is generated from excited-to-ground state relaxation within the principal (dosimetry) trap. Since IRPL can be induced even in traps remote from recombination centers, it is likely to contain a stable (non-fading), steady-state component. While IRPL is a powerful tool to understand details of the electron-trapping center, it provides a novel, alternative approach to trapped-charge dating based on direct, non-destructive probing of chronometric information. The possibility of repeated readout of IRPL from individual traps will open opportunities for dating at sub-micron spatial resolution, thus, marking a step change in the optical dating technology.

The measurement of OSL/TL relies on the initial trapping and subsequent release and recombination of charge in a suitable crystal structure. These measurements allow us to estimate the dose which the crystal has been subjected to and its age. During such processes, however, electrons can be emitted from the sample surface; the ability to measure such exo-electrons can provide information regarding the trapping process, as well as an alternative method of measuring trapped charge. Ideally, TL/OSL can be measured alongside exo-electrons. We will present a new design for an exo-electron detector compatible with the classic Riso reader stimulation head featuring multiple anode configurations and the option for high-voltage modulation to reduce the UV component during TL/OSL measurements.

A facility for the measurement of infrared photoluminescence (IRPL) has been developed for the Riso TL/OSL reader. The new IRPL measurement system uses an external laser light source at 1.49 eV (830 nm) and two photomultiplier tubes (PMT) for detecting emissions at ∼1.41 eV (880 nm) and ∼1.3 eV (955 nm) and an EMCCD. Pulsed IRPL measurement ensures a low background count rate by allowing the rejection of breakthrough from excitation light. We present the results of integrated IRPL measurements on both multiple- and single-grain aliquots, and finally demonstrate the potential of imaging natural K-feldspar samples and a granite rock slice.

In optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating and other retrospective dosimetry studies there is considerable demand for the ability to measure luminescence from individual dosimeters in the size range 50–500 μm diameter, either as separate grains or as part of a matrix. This work tests the potential of an electron multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD), providing extremely low level light detection. We characterize the performance of the device by discussing reproducibility and evaluating uncertainties in OSL signals. Finally we derive a typical single grain natural dose distribution with associated uncertainties.

Here we compare the performance of an EMCCD-based imaging system with the standard laser-based single-grain Riso attachment. We first compare gamma dose distributions and the relative sensitivity of the two instruments is investigated using a single sample, by comparing the number of grains accepted into a dose distribution. EMCCD cross-talk is shown to be of concern at low light levels. We also make use of the fact that the EMCCD can observe TL signals from individual grains to examine the use of the correlation between the quartz 110 °C TL peak and the fast component OSL signal to correct for sensitivity change. Finally, we present the OSL dose distributions from a set of both well-bleached and poorly-bleached sedimentary samples. From a comparison of the measured doses, we conclude that the two instruments give indistinguishable dose estimates and dispersions, despite the fact that the laser-based system is effectively about four times as sensitive as the EMCCD.

A new automated Detection And Stimulation Head (DASH) has been developed for the Riso TL/OSL luminescence reader to provide easy access to new technologies, new signals and new measurement methods. The automated DASH includes a filter changer and a detector changer that makes it possible to change stimulation filters (4 × 4 filter combinations possible) and detectors (3 detectors possible) as part of a measurements sequence. The new automated DASH with dedicated driver electronics does not affect the use of other attachments, and can be retrospectively fitted to existing Riso TL/OSL readers.

In nowadays, the infrared optics is frequently employed to various fields such as military, aerospace, industry and medical. To develop the infrared optics, special glasses which can transmit infrared wave are required. Ge(Germanium), Si(silicon), and fluoride glasses are typically used for material of the infrared optics. Compared with Ge and Si glasses, fluoride glasses have high transmittance in infrared wavelength range. Additionally, UV(ultraviolet) and visible light can be transmitted through fluoride glasses. There characteristics of fluoride glasses makes it possible to evaluate optical performance with generally used visible testing equipment. In this paper, we used design of experiment to find ultra precision machining characteristic of Ge and fluoride glasses and optimized machining process to obtain required form accuracy of PV(Peak to Valley) 0.2 ㎛.

A method of measuring the precise temperature distribution of GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by quantitative infrared micro-thermography is reported. To reduce the calibration error, the same measuring conditions were used for both calibration and thermal imaging; calibration was conducted on a highly emissive black-painted area on a dummy sapphire wafer loaded near the LED wafer on a thermoelectric cooler mount. We used infrared thermal radiation images of the black-painted area on the dummy wafer and an unbiased LED wafer at two different temperatures to determine the factors that degrade the accuracy of temperature measurement, i.e., the non-uniform response of the instrument, superimposed offset radiation, reflected radiation, and emissivity map of the LED surface. By correcting these factors from the measured infrared thermal radiation images of biased LEDs, we determined a precise absolute temperature image. Consequently, we could observe from where the local self-heat emerges and how it distributes on the emitting area of the LEDs. The experimental results demonstrated that highly localized self-heating and a remarkable temperature gradient, which are detrimental to LED performance and reliability, arise near the p-contact edge of the LED surface at high injection levels owing to the current crowding effect.

Cancer is increasing fast nowadays through all over the world. Early diagnosis of cancer is a desirable subject as it can significantly improve the patient's chances of survival. In most cases the cancer is diagnosis using MRI, CT, PET. But, there are several disadvantages associated with high cost, low sensitivity and specificity, and health risks from radioactive. For that reason, significant efforts are being invested to improve the current imaging system. Thermography can offer some advantages. Chief among these are the contact free and low cost for detect cancer. But thermography has some disadvantages associated with low sensitivity for small tumors. In this research develops non contact, safe, high sensitivity, and low cost infrared imaging technique. Experiments were performed using lock in thermography with a small amount of magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) and radiofrequency generator. As a result, highly sensitive infrared thermography can a small amount of MNP be detected by the technique.

We describe a portable luminescence reader suitable for use in remote localities in the field. The instrument weighs about 8 kg and is based around a 30 mm bialkali photomultiplier detecting signals through a glass filter centered on 340 nm. Stimulation is by 470 nm blue LEDs (24 W in total) operating in both continuous wave and pulsed mode; photon counting can be gated such that it is active only during the pulse off-period. There are also two bleaching light sources (470 nm, 5 W and 940 nm, 3 W), and the luminescence signals can be regenerated using a cold-cathode 30 kV X-ray tube, delivering ∼0.06 Gy.s−1. The three position sampling device has a heating element under each sampling position, able to heat the sample at 3 °C.s−1 up to at least 250 °C. The sampler can be inserted into unconsolidated sediments, and is designed to prevent exposure of the mineral grains to ambient light during sampling. The performance of the instrument in terms of sensitivity and reproducibility is comparable to that of the standard bench-top laboratory TL/OSL Riso reader. We show that the portable luminescence reader is able to measure accurately an ∼20 Gy quartz burial dose in a natural (unpretreated, no mineral separation) sandy sediment. We also show that, because of the configuration of the measurement head, the portable reader can be used to measure radioluminescence at elevated temperature in the presence of stimulation light; this facility is not available on conventional bench-top instruments. It is concluded that the portable luminescence reader can be used to accurately determine the quartz burial dose in loose sandy sediments in the field, without sample preparation or darkroom facilities.